kitten2502 Posted February 19, 2019 Report Share Posted February 19, 2019 There is an interesting thread on the Brummies fans forum in relation to the club asking for volunteers to join working parties to help spruce up the track/stadium/riders changing rooms & coming up with initiatives to raise funds to build a proper pits area for the Development League riders. The thread was started by a "fan" who is offended by the begging nature of the requests for help, so I thought I'd put it out there to see what the general consensus is - would you be offended if your club asked for this kind of help or would you be happy to roll your sleeves up/put your hand in your pocket? Personally I have given my time to the working parties campaign this year - when work shifts has allowed - and did many weekends pre season last year too. The club provide tea/coffee/biscuits by way of a thank you to those who turn up to help with track spruce up. Thoughts...………. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tsunami Posted February 19, 2019 Report Share Posted February 19, 2019 2 minutes ago, kitten2502 said: There is an interesting thread on the Brummies fans forum in relation to the club asking for volunteers to join working parties to help spruce up the track/stadium/riders changing rooms & coming up with initiatives to raise funds to build a proper pits area for the Development League riders. The thread was started by a "fan" who is offended by the begging nature of the requests for help, so I thought I'd put it out there to see what the general consensus is - would you be offended if your club asked for this kind of help or would you be happy to roll your sleeves up/put your hand in your pocket? Personally I have given my time to the working parties campaign this year - when work shifts has allowed - and did many weekends pre season last year too. The club provide tea/coffee/biscuits by way of a thank you to those who turn up to help with track spruce up. Thoughts...………. It's up to the individuals. Some can or can't work, but can still assist in many ways. If someone is offended by that, perhaps Brum can do without him as he sounds like he would try and spread his obsessions. Every track needs every fan, but remember what a bad apple does to the rest eventually. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chunky Posted February 19, 2019 Report Share Posted February 19, 2019 (edited) Quite honestly, it's nothing new. A lot of speedway clubs - and even smaller football clubs - have requested for fans to help with things, whether it's painting and fixing things, or just clearing up trash. Nothing wrong with that at all; if you want to help, fine, and if you don't want to help, fine. Not like anybody is forcing you to do anything. With the fragile financial status of most clubs, it makes sense. Even if they weren't in that state, I would have no problem in helping. It can actually feel good to be involved, and to make a difference. Give me free drinks and biccies, and I'll be there! Steve Edited February 19, 2019 by chunky 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WalterPlinge Posted February 19, 2019 Report Share Posted February 19, 2019 What is there to be offended about? If you want to help your club, you can. If you don't want to help, you don't have to. If you've got some time to spare, you might be able to help. If you haven't got spare time, no one is forcing you, or penalising you for not helping. Lots of clubs, societies, sports teams, theatres, churches, schools, scouts etc etc rely on volunteer help. Whether its helping paint the changing rooms of your local football team or speedway team, helping out at the kids' school sports day, donating costumes to the local theatre amateur dramatic society, making chutney for the church jamboree, or organising the Rotary Club annual dance, the world might be a better place if more people gave up a few hours of their time to get out and help an organisation close to their heart rather than sitting at home behind a keyboard moaning and being unnecessarily offended by everything. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ch958 Posted February 19, 2019 Report Share Posted February 19, 2019 What is there to be offended about? Don't do it if you don't want, do it if you do. I coached football for donkeys years and never got a penny for petrol or time - no one made me do it 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iris123 Posted February 19, 2019 Report Share Posted February 19, 2019 (edited) A regular thing with the 2 clubs nearest to me.Asking for help painting,cutting grass or repairing things.Everything is provided as well as food and drink.Just got to have the time and it is your decision to turn up or not. Same as some conservation groups ask you to help clear up a beach or river bank etc Don’t see why anyone can get upset Edited February 19, 2019 by iris123 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sings4Speedway Posted February 20, 2019 Report Share Posted February 20, 2019 Likewise i can't see why anyone would be offended or consider it begging if the clubs are asking for assistance / manpower. Financial aid is slightly different mostly from riders that gripes a little, especially when its the same ones year on year. But for clubs looking to improve things (and especially the dire/dangerous 2nd half pits at Brum). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*JJ Posted February 20, 2019 Report Share Posted February 20, 2019 4 hours ago, Sings4Speedway said: Likewise i can't see why anyone would be offended or consider it begging if the clubs are asking for assistance / manpower. Financial aid is slightly different mostly from riders that gripes a little, especially when its the same ones year on year. But for clubs looking to improve things (and especially the dire/dangerous 2nd half pits at Brum). Er ... there weren't any second half pits, dire or dangerous, which is why they are being built now! As for the original question, everybody and his dog knows that the 'fan' in question is not the sharpest tool in the box. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kitten2502 Posted February 20, 2019 Author Report Share Posted February 20, 2019 25 minutes ago, *JJ said: Er ... there weren't any second half pits, dire or dangerous...…... There was an allocated space for the Bulls/juniors - however it was FAR from ideal - hence why it is being addressed. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*JJ Posted February 21, 2019 Report Share Posted February 21, 2019 20 hours ago, kitten2502 said: There was an allocated space for the Bulls/juniors - however it was FAR from ideal - hence why it is being addressed. Yes, I know all about that, having helped a rider who had to use this space a few times! Most stadiums have GL riders parked up some corner on the dirt ... Which is why I am glad that the Birmingham promotion is doing something. The only other track which has second-half pits is Stoke. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fromafar Posted February 21, 2019 Report Share Posted February 21, 2019 1 hour ago, *JJ said: Yes, I know all about that, having helped a rider who had to use this space a few times! Most stadiums have GL riders parked up some corner on the dirt ... Which is why I am glad that the Birmingham promotion is doing something. The only other track which has second-half pits is Stoke. Berwick has 2nd half pits 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moxey63 Posted February 21, 2019 Report Share Posted February 21, 2019 I offered my input to the Belle Vue programme in 1990, which I contributed to for 18 years and received a complimentary pass for my efforts. Belle Vue banked money from programme sales Yet I am called a freeloader! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sings4Speedway Posted February 21, 2019 Report Share Posted February 21, 2019 6 hours ago, *JJ said: Yes, I know all about that, having helped a rider who had to use this space a few times! Most stadiums have GL riders parked up some corner on the dirt ... Which is why I am glad that the Birmingham promotion is doing something. The only other track which has second-half pits is Stoke. 5 hours ago, Fromafar said: Berwick has 2nd half pits Along with Kings Lynn, Belle Vue, Rye house, Cov and im sure a few others. All most 2nd half riders really want is a bit of space, level ground and some level of light. There are plenty which do just that and plenty who just see the additional riders to accommodate as a nuisance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tsunami Posted February 21, 2019 Report Share Posted February 21, 2019 5 hours ago, Fromafar said: Berwick has 2nd half pits And Redcar. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martinmauger Posted February 21, 2019 Report Share Posted February 21, 2019 (edited) Asking fans for help with pre-season tidying up is a common thing. At Hull , Craven Park there were promises of tea / coffee & biccies, with maybe fish & chips if the work extended past tea-time, sadly I was never able to join the fun as it was always on a week day. Two local girls regularly tidied up pits, changing rooms, etc. On one occasion help was requested to paint the safety fence, one enterprising chap turned up and painted the entire fence, kickboards on straights boards on the bends, all by himself taking some 8 hours. Refused any form of payment, now that's dedication. Also, pit accomodation for 2nd halfers was roomy, in front of the old dog kennels.... Edited February 21, 2019 by martinmauger added pits info 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gee jay Posted February 21, 2019 Report Share Posted February 21, 2019 27 minutes ago, martinmauger said: Asking fans for help with pre-season tidying up is a common thing. At Hull , Craven Park there were promises of tea / coffee & biccies, with maybe fish & chips if the work extended past tea-time, sadly I was never able to join the fun as it was always on a week day. Two local girls regularly tidied up pits, changing rooms, etc. On one occasion help was requested to paint the safety fence, one enterprising chap turned up and painted the entire fence, kickboards on straights boards on the bends, all by himself taking some 8 hours. Refused any form of payment, now that's dedication. Also, pit accomodation for 2nd halfers was roomy, in front of the old dog kennels.... that's what i call a real fan . to the 'fan' who started all this GROW UP. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*JJ Posted February 22, 2019 Report Share Posted February 22, 2019 20 hours ago, Sings4Speedway said: Along with Kings Lynn, Belle Vue, Rye house, Cov and im sure a few others. All most 2nd half riders really want is a bit of space, level ground and some level of light. There are plenty which do just that and plenty who just see the additional riders to accommodate as a nuisance. I've been in KL, RH and Coventry pits; they didn't seem to have. Or do you mean that they let you in some corner? The old BV certainly didn't. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sings4Speedway Posted February 22, 2019 Report Share Posted February 22, 2019 4 minutes ago, *JJ said: I've been in KL, RH and Coventry pits; they didn't seem to have. Or do you mean that they let you in some corner? The old BV certainly didn't. Lynn used to supply plenty of space under cover for 2 halves, Cov had pokey corner round the back of the main pits used to have a bit of space in the back corner but not enough for 2 development league teams but certainly enough when a few juniors had a run out. Im told the new Belle Vue has a huge area supplied and the riders were very well catered & cared for (another loss for the development leagues). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tsunami Posted February 22, 2019 Report Share Posted February 22, 2019 1 hour ago, Sings4Speedway said: Lynn used to supply plenty of space under cover for 2 halves, Cov had pokey corner round the back of the main pits used to have a bit of space in the back corner but not enough for 2 development league teams but certainly enough when a few juniors had a run out. Im told the new Belle Vue has a huge area supplied and the riders were very well catered & cared for (another loss for the development leagues). Facilities for the juniors at BV are very good. At a lot of tracks, they provide a quiet area for initial unloading, setting up and warming up, then it's a big scramble to get into the seniors pits when they leaving after heat 15. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoff100 Posted February 22, 2019 Report Share Posted February 22, 2019 22 hours ago, martinmauger said: Asking fans for help with pre-season tidying up is a common thing. At Hull , Craven Park there were promises of tea / coffee & biccies, with maybe fish & chips if the work extended past tea-time, sadly I was never able to join the fun as it was always on a week day. Two local girls regularly tidied up pits, changing rooms, etc. On one occasion help was requested to paint the safety fence, one enterprising chap turned up and painted the entire fence, kickboards on straights boards on the bends, all by himself taking some 8 hours. Refused any form of payment, now that's dedication. Also, pit accomodation for 2nd halfers was roomy, in front of the old dog kennels.... in 1974 me and a mate from school done the fence at workington for ivan and briggo when they came and done somematch races,we had a sweeping brush a wheelbarrow and some bags of lime to do it ,tool a few days but had to have it done for my heros . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.